Postdoctoral Researcher Opportunity

The Computer Systems Laboratory at Cornell seeks a postdoctoral
researcher to help launch a new project to design a new kind of
continuously reconfigurable machine. The project spans computer
architecture, compilers, and programming languages research.

The Team

The postdoc will work with the research groups of Professors
Christopher Batten, Adrian Sampson, and Zhiru Zhang in the departments
of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Computer Science. The
postdoc will have opportunities to mentor PhD, masters, and
undergraduate researchers in these groups. The project also includes
research groups at the University of Washington.

The Project

While one-off ASICs offer leaps in computational efficiency even in
face of slowed returns from Moore's law, they sacrifice flexibility and
programmability. We are designing a new kind of reconfigurable
architecture based on a programmable memory system and configurable
spatial compute fabric. The system is designed for high-frequency
reconfiguration based on shifting application demands. It includes an
HBM2 memory interface and CGRA-like spatial array of RISC-V cores with
a reconfigurable interconnect. The project aims to approach ASIC-like
efficiency by continuously optimizing the system's organization to
specialize the compute datapath and exploit the HBM2 memory's high
bandwidth and low latency. We plan to tape out prototype hardware and
build a realistic compiler toolchain to target it.

Background

We are seeking recent PhDs in CS or ECE with expertise in architecture
and/or compilers. Researchers in one area or the other will fit well;
researchers whose interests span hardware and software are ideal. Prior
work on FPGAs, CGRAs, spatial architectures, program synthesis, and JIT
compilers is all relevant. Good candidates will be "builders" and have
a track record of releasing or deploying real systems.

The Job

The position starts in the fall semester of 2018 and lasts for one or
two years, depending on the candidate’s preference. The postdoc will
work with the PIs and students to define the research direction, build
the system, release open-source hardware and software, and write papers
for top-tier architecture and PL conferences. This is a leadership
role; there will be opportunities to mentor students and to give talks
at companies and other universities.

Diversity

We take diversity and inclusion seriously. Cornell is a recognized
employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and
Individuals with Disabilities.